Section 319 Clearance of Vegetation From Structures

Land that is covered with grass, grain, brush, or forest, whether privately or publicly owned, which is so situated or is of such inaccessible location that a fire originating upon the land would present an abnormally difficult job of suppression or would result in great and unusual damage through fire or resulting erosion shall comply with Section 319.2.

Persons owning, leasing, controlling, operating, or maintaining buildings or structures in, upon or adjoining land covered with grass, grain, brush or forest, and persons owning, leasing or controlling land adjacent to such buildings or structures, shall comply at all times with all of the following requirements:

1. Maintain an effective fire break by removing and clearing away flammable vegetation and combustible growth from areas within 30 feet (9144 mm) of such buildings or structures.
   Exception: Single specimens of trees, ornamental shrubbery or similar plants used as ground covers, provided they do not form a means of rapidly transmitting fire from the native growth to any structure.
2. Maintain additional fire protection or firebreak by removing brush, flammable vegetation and combustible growth located from 30 feet to 100 feet (9144 mm to 30 480 mm) from such buidlings or structures, when required by the fire chief because of extra hazardous conditions causing a firebreak of only 30 feet (9144 mm) to be insufficient to provide reasonable fire safety.
   Exception: Grass and other vegetation located more than 30 feet (9144 mm) from buildings or structures and less than 18 inches (457 mm) in height above the ground need not be removed where necessary to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion.
3. Remove portions of trees that extend within 10 feet (3048 mm) of the outlet of a chimney.
4. Maintain trees adjacent to or overhanging a building free of deadwood.
5. Maintain the roof of a structure free of leaves, needles or other dead vegetative growth.